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Grants
Overview
Cemetery trusts may apply to the department for a grant. The grants are intended for use where cemetery trusts do not have funds available for the required expenditure.
The department processes grant applications every two months, however, the frequency of this process may vary depending on demand. The trust will be contacted if additional information is required, although this is likely to delay the application. To avoid such delays please read the grant application information carefully, and ensure all relevant sections of the application form are completed (located below under 'Grant applications – information sheet and forms').
Examples of Suitable Grant Requests
- Removal of walls or other items that pose a public safety issue
- Purchase of lawnmowers (ride-on or push), garden tools, fuel, poison, paint, watering systems, tanks, computer hardware and software, printer/fax/scanner
- Construction or repairs to fences, gates, roads, driveways, pathways, car parks, toilets storage sheds/garages, rotundas, niche walls and/or the establishment of new burial areas
- Removal of trees that pose a public safety issue. (Please Note: Prior to removing trees trust may be required to consider Heritage restrictions, appropriate OH&S processes, community views and DSE or local council requirements).
- Grave covers - (see below)
Grave covers
In order to assist trusts meet their occupational health and safety (OH&S) obligations the department will fund the purchase of grave covers through the grant program. Each trust will be entitled to one-off funding of up to $1,500 to assist in the purchase and delivery of a grave cover. The department has been able to source a limited number of manufacturers and suppliers. For your information a list of these suppliers, with the specifications and photos of the grave covers, is located below. Trusts can source their own local supplier of grave covers if they choose.Unlike other grant applications, the trusts only need to provide one quote for their grave cover along with a completed grant application form. Please ensure the cost of delivery is included in the quote. Enquiries can be directed to the unit on freecall 1800 034 280.
List of Grave Cover Manufacturers
Application for a grant
To apply for a grant a cemetery trust must submit an application before any work commences.
Applications should include two quotes (GST inclusive) for the proposed expenditure and photos of the relevant area (where appropriate). If a trust is unable to obtain two quotes a written explanation outlining why this is not possible must be submitted with the application.
When applying for a grant for removal of trees from cemetery grounds, trusts need to demonstrate how they have addressed the necessary requirements (where appropriate) as outlined in the ‘Application for Removal of Trees from Cemetery Grounds’ form. This form will need to be completed and submitted with the ‘Application for Department of Health Grant’ form along with two quotes.
All requests will be assessed on the basis of the likely benefit they would bring to the cemetery and the total grant money available for the current year.
The Cemeteries and Crematoria Regulation Unit will provide written acknowledgement of receipt of grant applications and the outcome of all applications following completion of the process.
Declined applications may be resubmitted in the next round of grants with an updated submission including additional information and new quotes if a cemetery trust wishes to apply again.
Partial grants
Depending on the total funds available and the nature of the applications received, occasionally, the department is unable to grant the full amount requested in an application.
Trusts that are provided with partial grants are expected to draw upon their own funds to complete the proposed works. Top up grants will not be provided for the same project in subsequent years.Direct deposit form
If a grant application is approved, the funds will be deposited into a nominated cemetery trust bank account. The details for the Electronic Transfer of Payments form in the application must be completed.
Financial reporting and grant funding
Any grant money transferred to a trust must be spent within 4 months of allocation and appear in the following year’s Abstract of Accounts income and expenditure form. Trusts must fully account for the grant allocation by advising the department in writing when the grant is spent. For example:
- Purchases of equipment – a letter with a copy of the invoice or receipt
- Constructions/Repairs – a report/letter with photos where appropriate
- Removal of hazards such as trees – a report/letter with photos where appropriate.
Where departmental grants are not expended within 4 months of their allocation, the trust must advise the department in writing the reasons for the delay in expenditure and include a revised completion date. For example:
- Awaiting council approval or permit and/or equipment.
- Works delayed due to inclement weather or contractor not available.
Grant applications – information sheet and forms
The following interactive grant application forms have been designed for completion online.Application form for a cemetery grant - (interactive Word document and instructions for use)
Application form for removal of trees from cemetery grounds - (interactive Word document)
If you would prefer to complete the application form by hand, it is recommended that the following 'pdf' versions of these forms are printed and completed (as applicable), as spacing on the interactive forms may not be sufficient for a written response.Application form for a grant (pdf)
Application form for removal of trees from cemetery grounds (pdf)
